John Coddington

As a material from which coins are minted and beautiful works of art fashioned, silver possesses a dual identify in signifying success. Status, wealth, education, and elegance were readily conveyed in personal adornments and the silver amassed on the family sideboard, and because sterling was literally worth its weight, it could easily be converted to cash in hard times. This cup commemorated Captain John Crawford’s marriage to Amy Whipple in Providence in 1715-note the newlyweds’ initials inscribed on the side.

Silversmith John Coddington was the grandson of William Coddington, the first governor of Rhode Island, and the great-grandson of Anne Hutchinson, one of the earliest settlers of Providence. Following the example of his illustrious forebears, Coddington was prominent in the town government of Newport, serving as justice of peace, a member of the house of deputies, colonel of the militia, and the sheriff of Newport County. Fewer than a dozen pieces by Coddington are known to survive.